DEVELOPERS have been the go-ahead to continue their multi-million-pound transformation of a mill complex to flats just outside Huddersfield town centre.

DEVELOPERS have been the go-ahead to continue their multi-million-pound transformation of a mill complex to flats just outside Huddersfield town centre.

Lanson Developments have been granted planning permission for phase three of the £20m 1535 The Melting Point development at Firth Street.

When completed, the complex will include 190 flats, a restaurant and leisure facilities. Both phase one and phase two are sold out.

Phase three includes 65 one and two-bedroomed contemporary-style flats, with prices being confirmed when they go on sale next month.

This development will lead to the relocation of fabric manufacturers SKA Textiles, who are in premises which will form part of phase three.

SKA managing director Khalid Pervaiz said the company was looking for a new site in Kirklees. It would need to be a single-storey building to remain competitive in the market.

He said relocation would begin in June and take place over a 12-month period, with all 60 members of the company workforce keeping their jobs.

The flats will be in the renovated Priestroyd Mills building, with an impressive three-floor glass entrance atrium accessible from both Firth Street and the car park at the back.

The hotel-style lobby area will house the second on-site concierge, a modern staircase and an elevator to all floors.

Lanson's sales and marketing manager, Richard Brown, said: "We are delighted to have been granted planning permission for phase three a full 12 months ahead of schedule. Demand for this development has been unprecedented, proving that 1535 appeals to a wide variety of buyers from throughout the region and beyond."

The third of the project's four phases will be on the corner of Firth Street and Commercial Street. Residents will enjoy the best of either south-east-facing views of Castle Hill or north-west-facing views over landscaped gardens and the canal.

Mr Brown said the flats on the top floor of phase three would have high ceilings, with exposed beams and roof lights.

Some of the inner, ground-floor flats would also have small garden areas with patios. Secure basement parking would be provided for all first and second-floor two-bedroomed flats.

A sales suite and luxurious show flat will be opening soon, to give visitors the chance to appreciate the high standard of interior specification.

These would include European- styled kitchens and appliances, limestone and mirror-finished designer bathroom suites and exposed stone walls.

Once complete, 1535 The Melting Point will consist of six buildings.

The whole development will be linked by two landscaped gardens, incorporating water features, sculptures and seating areas.

1535 is scheduled to be built in four phases over four years. It will also include the rejuvenation of the banks of the canal that runs by the development.

The scheme will provide residents with similar standards and services to those of a five-star hotel. They include a concierge, secure grounds, maid service, room service, dry cleaning and on-site catering.

In addition, residents will also benefit from access to restaurants, bars, a swimming pool and gym.